SInce my last unto you, we have received further intelli­gence from our two Frigots at Sea, that the 5 ships which which lately revolted from the obedience and authority of Parliament, had a great designe against [Page 2] this Island, and for the better successe and accomplish­ing thereof, had tendered an Oath of Secresie to all therein; which was to this effect, That they would live and dye together, in prosecution of their Designe, for the re [...]toring of King Charles to his just Rights and Au­thorities, and for the aid and assistance of all those now in Armes for the King in severall Counties within the Realm of England, &c.

The greatest S [...]ickler in this businesse, was one Willi­am Lendall, a Seamen formerly a Boastons Mate, but now Vice-Admirall, of the Rebellious and Revolted party at Sea, And for the be [...]ter carrying on of this D [...]signe, they hoysted sayle, with a Resolution, to cast Anchor before this Island, not knowing that their for­mer confi [...]eracie were discovered, for the conveying of His Majesty from this Castle (the further particulars whereof, I have here inclosed) But it pleased God, that when they were sayling upon the Nepture streames, & within 4. or 5. Leagues of this Island, there arose a great Tempest, and violent storme, insomuch, that they were not able to sleere towards any Harbour for shelters, but were left to the mercy of the furious B [...]llowes, and at the last drove upon the Jrish Coast: We do not heare of any of their Ships that are Shipt wrackt, but it is believed, this will be both a convection and conversion, to their arrogant and selfe-aiming ends. It is supposed, that there was a strong confederacie betwixt them, and divers of the Inhabitants of this Island; as also, by some who were entrusted about His Majesty, as appeares by their late D [...]signe for the conveying of His Majestie [...]gom hence, who most subtilly and politikely had a­reed with 3. Souldiers for 300 l. to be Actors in this [Page 3] Designe, who had applyed Aqua-fortis to the Barres of one of the windows, where his Majestie should have bin let down; the verie time for effecting hereof, was within halfe an houre of that instant, in which it was to be ac­complished, and although the designe had been many dayes on foote, yet it was not discovered, till those which were by appointment to receive His Majesty at his coming down out of the Window, were attending upon that Office: In which instant of time, one of the Souldiers which was privie to the Designe, revealed the whole matter to Col. Hammond, who immediately went up unto His Majestie, and doing his obedience to him, went unto the Window, and viewing the Barr [...]s, shaked his head: His Majestie being but a small distance from him, came unto him, and said, How now Hammond, what is the matter, what would you have? to which Col. Hammond replyed, May it please your Majestie, I am come to take my leave of you, for I heare you are going away; His Majestie hearing the said expressions, returned no Answer, but went away, and tooke no further notice thereof. We have had some small insurrections and ri­sings, about Newport, and other places; but now all is quieted, and the Island in a peaceable condition.

I am commanded to acquaint you with the chief heads of businesse with us, and of our suddain advance towards the Enemie. Now in the first place bee pleased to take notice, that Collonel Lambert and Collonel Harri­sons Brigade of horse will be united about the sixt of June, with some other forces that Collonel Harrison is appointed to command, which when they are all united together, it is confidently assured, they will amount to 4000 foot and horse, or thereabouts, and then we conceive Major Generall Lambert with the whole Body, will march towards Langdale, who at this present is in Westmer­land; where he plundereth and pillageth the [Page 5] poor Country people, not making any distin­ction betwixt Royalists or roundheads, but all is fish that comes to net; he hath 16 troops of horse and two thousand foot: It is also reported, that he hath taken a house in that county, which the Committee had made the chief Magazine for those parts, wherein were 4000 armes and much powder. Divers gen­lemen and others of that County generally rise with them, yet neither Officers nor soul­diers, blessed be God for it, are any whit dan­ted at it; but are fully resolved by the assistance of almighty God, to go thorough stitch with the work. Likewise, we hear for certain, that the Scots will be in with Langdale about the midst of June at the farthest, unlesse it pleafe God to strengthen the hearts of our souldiery and make them instrumentall in giving him a suddain defeat before their forces are united. Sir, this is all you can expect for the present, from your assured friend

Since Lieutenant Generall Cromwels withdraw­ing off from Pembrook, and Tindall in Southwales, Collonel Horton followed the work very close, and hath been exceeding diligent and carefull, for perfor­mance [Page 6] of the trust reposed in him; He hath sent them severall Antidotes for preservation of their health, and hath been an instrumentall meanes to purge their sot­tish and frenzie braines, from too much drowsinesse, by his often Allarums; insomuch, that they now be­come very tame and gentle, and are fallen into the hands of the besiegers, and submitted to their mercy. For by a Messenger from those parts, we have rec [...]i­ved Intelligence, that Collonell Horton h [...]th p [...]ssessed himselfe of the Castle of Tinby, together with all the Armes and Ammunition, and about 570. Priso­ners, besides Colonel Powell and divivers o [...]her Officers of note; which is said to be, by reason of the great discontents of the Souldiery within the Castle. The Siege continues still at Pembrook, and Coll. Poyer holds out, and will upon no termes surrender; but it is said he begins to incline towards a Treaty, and its thought he will hearken to Conditions very suddenly, for the surrender thereof. We heare Major Generall Lang­horne is joyned with Sir Marmaduke Langdale in the North, but not much esteemed of by that Party; and its said, that Langdale will not repose trust in him. It is further said, that Collonell Horton, hath tooke 14. Pee­ces of Ordnance in Tinby Castle, 1500 Armes, and great store of powder and bullet, which doth much abate the pride of the most insolent spirits in those parts, Sir by my next, you shall hear further from